A Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, Thursday sentenced one 37-year- old carpenter, Emmanuel Sanya to nine years imprisonment for raping his 13-year-old neighbour; (names withheld).
This is the judgment delivered by Justice Abiola Soladoye following the plea bargain agreement to the amended three- count charges of sexual assault.
The incident occurred after the survivor’s father sent N5,000 to the defendant to deliver to his wife. When the wife asked the defendant for the money, he confirmed receiving it but claimed he had no cash. She requested N2,000 and said she would collect the balance later, but the defendant insisted she should send her daughter to his shop to collect the full amount.
At the shop, the defendant handed the survivor an ATM card to withdraw the N5,000. After she returned the card, he asked her to place it in an inner section of the shop. As she returned, he instructed her to help him retrieve an item from the inner shop. While she was searching for it, he entered, locked the door, and ordered her to undress. When she refused, he forcibly removed her clothes, and started sucking her breasts, and attempted to penetrate her vagina. Although she struggled, he overpowered her.
After the assault, the defendant assured her that she would not get pregnant because he was released outside her. Sanya warned her not to tell anyone, threatening to kill her if she disclosed what had happened. He also promised to provide her with anything she wanted if she kept quiet.
The survivor returned home but, out of fear, did not immediately tell her mother because his room was opposite theirs. The following morning, believing the defendant had left for work, she narrated the incident to her mother. Unknown to them, the defendant was still at home and overheard the conversation. He came out and pleaded with the survivor’s mother, but she rejected his pleas and reported the matter to the police, leading to his arrest.
One of the charge reads: “Emmanuel Santa (m) on or about the 21st day of April, 2024 at about 16:00 at cantonment mammy market, Ikeja Judicial Division did detain one ( name withheld) (f) aged Thirteen (13) years old against her will for purpose of having unlawful sexual intercourse with her.
“This offence is contrary to section 144 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos cap C17, vol 3, laws of Lagos 2015.”